5 hours into blower motor extrication, I sighted the beast. I took to fiddling with it for an hour or so in a vain attempt to revive it. I knew I didn't want to spend the $220 I was quoted by Volvo Price Stranglers Inc. so I tried everything, but the commutator was missing half its copper. I called up Central Auto Parts. Their price: $30. HMMM wonder which one I'M gonna choose. At this point I practiced restraint in failing to call up the Volvo dealer to offer a judicious slathering of profanities. Got motor. Shaft comes up 1/2 inch short.

Begin surgery. Reverse motor. Slice deep holes in motor housing while still inside dash. Gouge hand. Attain hammer. Attack Volvo.

Motor in. Blades now fit snugly against right side of fan blade housing. Turn motor on top speed, place sharp knife in path of blade. Slice until blades clear housing. Test for clearance at all speeds. Reattatch housing parts and dash. Test motor again. Curse repeatedly. Reopen dash and housing. Turn motor on top speed. Use sharper knife with more force. Test. Reattatch housing and dash. Test. Curse repeatedly. Shower, then sleep.

Total time for swap n' fabricate: approximately 11 hours. Only broke the a/c switch, and several illumination bulbs no longer function. Am I the world's fastest or slowest blower motor change?